Girard, Michel Eloi; biography; Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by: Edward Crow Girard
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Michel Eloi Girard was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, on 27 March 1896,
the second child of Dr. Percy Michel and Leila (Singleton) Girard. He was
called "Eloi" to distinguish him from his grandfather of the same name.
He recieved his degree in engineering from Georgia Tech University.
He served in WW I as a captain of US artillery in France.
By occupation, he was an independent businessman and farmer. He grew
cane, rice, and cotton, and dabbled as a nurseryman. He was a land
developer and sweet potato shipper. He was a Louisiana State Senator
from 1952 to 1956 for the district including Iberia, Lafayette, and St.
Martin parishes. He married Ruth Stodghill on 18 Oct.1924, and they had
no children. Their house on the corner of University and McKinley in
Lafayette was custom built in 1935, and has been made an historic city
landmark. He was instrumental in the development of Girard park in Lafayette,
was a USL foundation member, and active in the Lafayette Parish council on
aging. Eloi died 22 Dec.1974 from a stroke, and is buried in the Lafayette
Protestant Cemetery.
Sources: Lafayette Advertiser various articles, Louisiana Senate records,
obituary, and Lafayette Parish courthouse records.